The Edit: Pomuch is a small town in Campeche, about 30 miles south of the Yucatán border, 76 miles from Mérida and 35 miles from Campeche City, known for Choo Ba’ak, a Mayan ritual in which families clean the bones of their ancestors before Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). Families remove the remains, brush them with care and rest them on fresh banana leaves in wooden boxes, and the cemetery is open to visitors who come with respect. The bone cleaning begins October 25 to 30, Paseo de Pixanes (Passage of the Souls) with music, food and dance is October 31, and the bones stay on display November 1 and 2. We drove from our home base in Izamal for a day trip, and you can also reach Pomuch by ADO bus or the Tren Maya via the nearby Hecelchakán station. This is not a tourist show, so visit before November 2 and approach it with empathy.

Pomuch Campeche: At a Glance

Detail	What to know
Location	Campeche, about 30 miles south of the Yucatán border
From Mérida	About 76 miles
From Campeche City	About 35 miles
Tradition	Choo Ba’ak, cleaning the bones of ancestors
Bone cleaning	October 25 to 30
Paseo de Pixanes	October 31, with music, food and dance
Bones on display	November 1 and 2
Getting there	Rental car, ADO bus or Tren Maya (Hecelchakán station)
Etiquette	Visit with respect; it is not a tourist show

We first heard about the town of Pomuch Campeche from Carlos, a rental car rep we chatted with in Tulum. We were swapping ideas on hidden gems like Mahahual and Bacalar when he mentioned this tiny town with a big ancient tradition. Naturally, I jotted it down. 

A quick search later and I knew we had to go. Since we were already planning to be in the Yucatán for Día de Muertos, we added Pomuch to our must-see list, and let me tell you, if you’re in the area during this time, it’s something you truly have to experience.

Where is Pomuch Campeche & How to Get There?

Pomuch is a quiet place nestled in Campeche on the northern edge of the Yucatán Peninsula, just about 30 miles south of the Yucatán border. It’s roughly 76 miles from Mérida and 35 miles from Campeche City. 

Easily reached by rental car (we drove from our home base in Izamal), Pomuch makes for a perfect off-the-beaten-path day trip. You can also take the ADO bus or hop on the Tren Maya via the nearby Hecelchakán station to reach this unique destination.

What Makes Pomuch Campeche So Special?

Pomuch is home to a deeply sacred and unique tradition called Choo Ba’ak, a ritual that takes place in the days leading up to Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). In this ancient Mayan practice, family members gently clean the bones of their loved ones, removing them from their resting places, brushing them with care, and honoring their spirits.

The remains are then carefully arranged, often resting on a bed of fresh banana leaves inside wooden boxes—symbolizing both respect and renewal. This meaningful detail highlights the fusion of nature and spirituality that runs through many Mayan traditions.

This isn’t a tourist show, it’s a deeply personal ritual that reflects the Mayan belief in honoring ancestors, both in life and beyond. The tradition speaks volumes about how the community values remembrance, connection, and love across generations.

If you want to witness this incredible act of reverence, plan to visit before November 2nd, when the rituals are actively taking place. The cemetery is open to visitors, but it’s crucial to approach with respect, empathy, and understanding, this is a time of deep meaning for the families involved.

Notable Dates in Pomuch:

• October 25–30: Family members begin the cleaning of the bones
  
• October 31: Paseo De Pixanes (Passage of the Souls), a celebration with music, food, and dance
  
• November 1 & 2: Bones remain on display, and the town begins wrapping up the festivities

For more information and visuals from our visit, check out the Instagram page we’ve linked below, it’s a helpful resource as you plan your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pomuch Campeche

Should You Visit Pomuch Campeche With Your Family Members?

If you’re traveling through the Yucatán with your family and want to experience a truly unique tradition, Pomuch is a must. After spending 6 months exploring the region and diving deeper into Mayan culture, visiting during Day of the Dead was unforgettable and should not be a side note.

The tradition in Pomuch, where families lovingly clean the bones of their ancestors, is deeply moving and unlike anything we’ve ever witnessed. It’s a powerful reminder of the respect and connection the Mayan people have for those who came before them. This experience gave us a whole new level of appreciation for the culture, and honestly, we’d do it all over again.